Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has condemned the controversy surrounding the alleged distribution of women’s inner garments in the county, saying the incident undermined the dignity of women.
Maina criticised Wangui Ngirichi over the controversy, questioning the campaign strategy allegedly associated with the distribution of the female undergarments.
“The only thing Wangui Ngirichi can offer the people of Kirinyaga is shaming their dignity like she did with the female under-garments saga,” Maina said.
Maina said she could not understand how a person seeking to lead the county could consider what she described as a degrading approach to political mobilisation.
“I still can’t believe how someone who wants to lead a county can even fathom to come up with such a degrading campaign strategy,” she said.
Her remarks come amid a growing political dispute over women’s undergarments that surfaced in Kirinyaga, with images circulating online showing garments bearing political messages.
The controversy has attracted attention because the garments were reportedly branded with references to Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango and the 2027 gubernatorial contest.
The issue has also raised questions over the appearance of National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) branding on some of the items.
Murango has denied producing, purchasing, supplying or distributing the undergarments and has reportedly threatened legal action against media organisations over reports linking him to the items.
Maina, whose office is associated with NGAAF activities in Kirinyaga, has also denied involvement in the distribution and has taken issue with reports linking her office to the controversy.
The dispute has now developed into a wider political confrontation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with rival political camps trading accusations over the circumstances surrounding the garments.
Maina said the focus should instead be on protecting the dignity of women in the county.
“The women of Kirinyaga MUST be respected. Their dignity MUST be protected,” she said.
Her comments add another layer to the controversy as political leaders in Kirinyaga position themselves ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial contest.
The allegations surrounding the distribution remain contested, with the individuals named in connection with the garments denying responsibility.
The competing claims are likely to remain a subject of political and public debate as investigations and possible legal proceedings unfold.